Motorcycle crashes account for a disproportionately high number of serious injuries and fatalities. In Alabama and Tennessee, riders face major risks due to high traffic volume, distracted drivers, and poor road maintenance. When a crash is caused by someone else’s negligence, the consequences can be devastating, both physically and financially.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, identifying what caused the crash and who was responsible is essential to recovering compensation. At Cory Watson Attorneys, we understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face and have the experience to hold negligent parties accountable.
Here are the top five causes of motorcycle crashes and how you can prove fault in a personal injury claim.
- Left‑turn collisions at intersections
One of the most dangerous scenarios for motorcyclists occurs when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming bike. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 42 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes involving another vehicle happen during a left-turn conflict.
How to Prove Negligence:
- Get a copy of the police report documenting right-of-way violations
- Request traffic cam or dashcam footage
- Collect eyewitness statements confirming the driver failed to yield
- Lane‑splitting and visibility issues
Drivers often fail to check blind spots or signals before merging, which puts riders in serious danger. Even in states where lane splitting is not legal, motorcyclists are vulnerable due to their smaller profile and limited visibility.
How to Prove Negligence:
- Use helmet or dashcam footage to establish your lane position
- Provide evidence that the driver failed to signal or made an unsafe merge
- Highlight poor lighting or visibility conditions that may have contributed
- Helmet law impact on damages
Helmet laws vary by state. In Tennessee, all riders are required to wear helmets. In Alabama, helmet use is also mandatory for all motorcyclists. If you were not wearing a helmet during the crash, it may affect the damages you can recover, particularly in cases involving head injuries.
What This Means for Your Case:
- The defense may argue that your injuries were worsened by lack of helmet use
- A lawyer can help show that your injuries were not related to helmet use
- Medical records and expert testimony are key to overcoming this argument
- Speeding and aggressive driving
Excessive speed and aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, weaving between lanes, and road rage significantly increase crash risk. Motorcycles offer no protective buffer in these scenarios, which often leads to catastrophic injuries.
According to traffic safety data, speeding contributes to a significant percentage of fatal crashes in both Alabama and Tennessee each year.
How to Prove Negligence:
- Refer to the police report for any mention of speeding or reckless driving
- Obtain black box data from the vehicle if available
- Use physical evidence like skid marks, vehicle damage, and witness reports
- Road Hazards and Infrastructure Negligence
Potholes, debris, loose gravel, and uneven pavement pose greater threats to motorcyclists than to car drivers. In these cases, liability may fall on construction companies, private contractors, or government agencies responsible for road maintenance.
How to Prove Negligence:
- Document the scene with time-stamped photos and videos
- Ask your lawyer to request maintenance logs and complaint records
- Show that the hazard had been present long enough to have been addressed
How GoPro and Helmet Cam Footage Can Help Your Case
Video footage is one of the most powerful pieces of evidence in motorcycle accident claims. Helmet cams and dashcams can show how the crash unfolded, traffic conditions, driver behavior, and your own actions.
Why It Matters:
- Video evidence can verify your version of events
- It helps counter false claims or shifting blame
- Accident reconstruction experts can use footage to support your case
Tip: Always save and back up your footage after a crash. It can make a significant difference in your case.
Building a persuasive eyewitness narrative
Eyewitnesses play a big role in proving fault. But their impact depends on how clearly they recall the events and how credible their account is. A strong eyewitness can bolster your story or challenge it.
How to build a stronger case:
- Collect names and contact info at the scene
- Get written or recorded statements early
- A motorcycle accident attorney can prep witnesses for depositions or trial
- Use multiple perspectives to build a consistent timeline
How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Helps
Proving fault in a motorcycle crash isn’t as simple as pointing fingers. You need clear, documented evidence. You need someone who understands how to fight insurance companies that try to blame the biker. That’s where a motorcycle accident attorney can help.
An experienced lawyer will:
- Investigate your crash
- Secure time-sensitive evidence
- Bring in accident reconstruction experts
- Build a case that ties the crash directly to someone else’s negligence
Alabama and Tennessee Use Comparative Fault Rules
Both Alabama and Tennessee have rules about shared fault, but they differ in how they impact your claim.
- Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found to be 50 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover compensation.
- Alabama applies a pure contributory negligence rule. If you are even 1 percent at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages.
Because these laws can dramatically affect your outcome, it is critical to work with an attorney who can protect you from unfair blame.
What to do after a crash
The minutes and hours after a motorcycle crash are overwhelming. What you do next can directly impact your health, your recovery, and the strength of your legal claim. Follow these steps to protect yourself and your case:
1. Call 911 immediately
Even if you feel okay, call emergency services. Some injuries, like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, do not show symptoms right away. A police officer will also document the scene and file an official crash report. That becomes key evidence later.
2. Get medical attention right away
If paramedics offer to take you to the hospital, go. If not, schedule a full medical evaluation within 24 hours. Insurance companies often use delays in treatment to argue that your injuries were not serious or were not caused by the crash. Keep copies of all records, prescriptions, and diagnoses.
3. Document the scene thoroughly
Take wide and close-up photos of the vehicles, road conditions, debris, skid marks, traffic signs, and your injuries. Capture weather, lighting, and visibility factors. If you are unable, ask someone you trust to help. Visual evidence helps paint a clear picture of what happened.
4. Get contact info from everyone involved
Exchange names, phone numbers, driver’s licenses, license plates, and insurance details with all drivers. Speak with witnesses and ask for their contact information. If someone nearby saw the crash but did not stop, ask businesses if they have security footage that may have captured it.
5. Do not admit fault or apologize
Even saying “I’m sorry” at the scene can be twisted as admitting liability. Stick to the facts when speaking to police and avoid speculating about what caused the crash.
6. Notify your own insurance company
Report the crash, but keep your comments brief and factual. Do not agree to any recorded statements or accept blame. You are not required to speak to the other driver’s insurance adjuster.
7. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may ask leading questions or try to get you to say something they can use against you. Politely decline until you have spoken with a lawyer.
8. Preserve your gear and bike
Do not repair or throw away your motorcycle, helmet, or riding gear until your attorney reviews everything. Damage to these items can help prove impact severity and support your claim.
9. Keep a personal record of your recovery
Start a journal to track symptoms, pain levels, missed work, daily challenges, and emotional stress. This helps document the full impact of the crash beyond your medical records.
10. Contact a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible
The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a strong claim. An experienced attorney will guide you through your next steps, handle communications with insurers, and fight for your right to full compensation.
Let Cory Watson Attorneys Fight for You
Motorcycle accidents can lead to overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and long-term injuries. You should not face these challenges alone. At Cory Watson Attorneys, we have more than 44 years of experience helping injury victims recover compensation. Our team has recovered over $4 billion for clients and understands what it takes to win tough motorcycle cases.
With offices in Birmingham, Alabama, Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, we are here to serve injured riders across the Southeast.
Call us today or fill out our free case evaluation form to get started. You deserve a legal team that fights for full and fair compensation.